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Editors' Favorite Bag Patterns

We asked the staff members of American Patchwork & Quilting and Quilts and More to choose a current bag pattern, make the bag, and share their thoughts about why they chose the pattern. See our version of each bag, then click on the next slide for information designer and pattern information.

Flea Market Bag

“I like the simple design to carry the water bottle, notebook, and books I take with me when I travel or go to appointments,” administrative assistant Mary Irish says. “With the large open area it shows off the beautiful fabric.”

Flea Market Bag

The Harmony Handbag

“I saw the bag at the International Quilt Market in Houston and knew I had to make it,” design director Nancy Wilessays. “I grew up sewing my own garments, and I love the challenge and results from nicely tailored, finely detailed sewing. This bag has great details—contrasting-color pleats and ties as well as a fun, feminine shape. There are lots of pockets including a little pocket to hold beverages inside.”

The Harmony Handbag

The Trixie Bag

Flirty, fun, girly-girly, and frivolous is how editor Jill Abeloe Mead describes the Trixie Bag. “It is a big hit with my pre-teen granddaughters,” Jill says. “The bag is big enough to tote all their necessities (hair care products, books, iPod, and cell phone), and would be easy to personalize by the fabrics selected. Both of the girls chose their own fabric. Madison’s bag (the one shown here) is made from Michael Miller Fabrics polka dots. Madi’s birthday came first (she’s now a teenager)—she got the first bag. Devree’s is also made of Michael Miller Fabrics polka dots, this time in blues, greens, and black-and-white.”

The Trixie Bag

Bailey #146

“I like a more structured bag,” editor Elizabeth Tisinger says, “and this design fits the bill. Before cutting pieces for the bag body, I chose to quilt around the shapes in the Lava Leaves fabric to give it more texture. What first drew me to the pattern was the ragged-edge, pieced flower appliqué, and I added a fussy-cut circle for a cute flower center. Another unique feature about the pattern is the handle construction: Fabric tabs are sewn kind of like belt loops to the top of the bag body, then the handles loop around those."

Bailey #146

Bali Bag

“I’m a big fan of batiks, so when I saw this pattern I knew I had to make it,” assistant editor Jody Sanders says. “Clothesline covered with 2-1/2”-wide strips of batiks is the secret to this bag. After the clothesline has been covered, the bag is constructed. To get a jump-start, use pre-cut strips such as Bali Pops by Hoffman Fabrics or Jelly Rolls by Moda Fabrics.”

Bali Bag

Bag Along

“Since I don’t have a lot of experience sewing bags, I chose a pattern I knew I could tackle,” interactive editor Lisa Schumacher says. “For me, this pattern was a good opportunity for me to use large-scale prints, which I usually shy away from….But I think they worked. I love it!”

Bag Along

Carry It All Tote

“I love how functional this bag is,” senior graphic designer Elizabeth Stumbo says. “I can fit everything I need in it and still have room for a few extra fat quarters! Plus, the big hand stitches and pleats keep it fun and unique. Instead of the stenciling the numbers on the pocket, I added a vintage shell button.”